| January 18, 2008 |
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Vol 5, Issue 3
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Jamaica's Prime Minister Announces February Reggae Month Schedule
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Prime Minister Bruce Golding announced yesterday that Jamaicans, will for the first time this year observe the month of February as Reggae Month to highlight the impact of the musical genre on the country's social, cultural and economic development. The Prime Minister also announced that he had written to Governor-General Sir Kenneth Hall requesting him to issue an official proclamation declaring February Reggae Month in perpetuity.
Prime Minister Bruce Golding who spoke at a Press Launch at Jamaica House hosted by the Minister of Information & Culture, Olivia 'Babsy' Grange, said a month of activity was necessary in order to sharpen the focus and draw the attention of the world to this powerful asset that is wholly Jamaican.
Mr. Golding said in addition to being a part of our culture, reggae music has been used by Jamaicans as a means of expression and to communicate our experiences, trials and successes, as well as our joys and sorrows. He said the music has also been used to declare our position against oppression and suffering and to tell of our hopes, with the love as the underlying constant. He said this aspect of the music was the reason it had been embraced by people from around the world, but that Jamaicans felt no jealousy as, reggae will always remain Jamaica and Jamaica will always remain reggae.
(Reprinted from the Jamaica Information Service)
There are a number of activities planned to celebrate Reggae Month in Jamaica. Listed below are the major ones.
February 1 – Bob Marley Photographic Exhibition at the Bob Marley Museum.
February 4-6 – Africa Unite – Smile Jamaica Youth Symposium at Liberty Hall
February 5– Annual Bob Marley Lecture at UWI Mona Campus
February 6 – Premier of Africa Unite - Bob Marley 60th anniversary concert in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, at Carib Cinema
February 7-9 – African Film Festival at Bob Marley Museum
February 13 – 2nd Annual Irie FM Reggae Music Awards, live on radio
February 14 – Making of Music Tour – Tuff Gong studios, Kingston
February 15 – The Bob Marley Creative Expressions Day
February 18-24 – Global Reggae Conference hosted by
the UWI Reggae Studies Unit
February 20 – Gala opening of Reggae Film Festival
February 21– Reggae Film Festival continues
February 21 – Reggae Academy Awards Opening night reception and showcase.
February 22
• Reggae Film Festival special screening at UWI
• Reggae Academy Awards panels/conferences
• Reggae Academy artistes showcase
• Final night Reggae Film Festival and Awards at Courtleigh auditorium, Kingston
February 23 – Africa Unite – Smile Jamaica Concert, James Bond Beach, Oracabessa
February 24 – Reggae Academy Awards, National Indoor Sports Centre, Kingston
February 29 – Presentation of Irie FM Awards, Kingston
February 29 – Reggae Film Festival at Island Village in Ocho Rios.
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ROCKERS INNA DE YARD TOUR REACHES CALIFORNIA
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LIVE WITH A FULL BAND & ACOUSTIC
Wednesday, January 23, The Dub Club inside the Echo-plex LOS ANGELES
Thursday, January 24, Rockers Uptown inside Nicholby's VENTURA
Friday, January 25, Last Day Saloon SANTA ROSA
Saturday, January 26, Caspar Inn with DJ Sister Yasmin, CASPAR
Sunday, January 27, Moe's Alley SANTA CRUZ
myspace.com/earlchinnasmith
myspace.com/kiddusi
www.chinnasmithmusic.com
Bio: Kiddus I
Kiddus I is a historic figure in reggae. His music and likeness are a central part of the reggae cult classic film and soundtrack album Rockers. His song "Graduation In Zion" is part of the film’s footage as Kiddus I is shown recording in the studio. He and his long-time bredren and musical collaborator Chinna are a part of the cast in the documentary film: Natural Mystic Reggae- A Jamaican Walk.
Bio: Earl "Chinna" Smith
Chinna is the quintessential guitarist and musical director. His contributions to reggae are unmatched. He helped to create the sound that is known as "reggae" starting as a teenager in the 1960's. Since that time he has recorded on thousands of songs and is known as Jamaica's "best guitarist." He has appeared on the stage with the likes of reggae's great Kings' Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Jimmy Cliff and has toured and recorded extensively with Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers, Damian Marley with Sizzla, and with his foundation '70's group The Soul Syndicate.
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Ragga Muffins Festival in San Francisco on February 23. Tickets On Sale NOW!
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Alpha Blondy and Gentleman pictured here
ALPHA BLONDY - BARRINGTON LEVY - ANTHONY B - MIDNITE - GENTLEMAN - GREGORY ISAACS - SOUL MAJESTIC (Line-up subject to change and not necessarily in order of appearance)
Saturday, February 23rd, 2008 at 3:00pm
Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, San Francisco
Tickets available at all Ticketmaster locations and online at ticketmaster.com also APEConcerts.com
Outlets: Wherehouse, Ritmo Latino, select FYE stores
Phone: 510.444.TIXS, 415.421.TIXS, 408.998.TIXS, 209.485.TIXS, and 707.528.TIXS
Tickets also available at The Independent Box Office
($1 service fee) at 628 Divisadero Street in San Francisco.
Tickets: General Admission
Prices: $39.50 [Advance] / $45.00 [Day of Show
Produced by: Another Planet Entertainment & Moss Jacobs Presents
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Bunny Ruggs Releases New Solo Album
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Bunny Ruggs pictured here with Marcia Griffiths
Bunny Ruggs releases new solo album called Thinking Bout You, which features Bounty Killer, Marcia Griffiths, U-Roy, Chantelle, Empress and Chaka Chaks, will be released on February 6 in New Zealand.
It is, of course, Bob Marley's birthday, but it is also Ruggs'.
The New Zealand show is the Bob Marley Day festival. He was invited because the people knew that his birthday was also the 6th.
The album release performance will be part of a series of performances Down Under.
The solo project does not mean separation from Third World, which celebrates its 35th anniversary this year, Rugs pointing out that other members also have solo projects, Stephen 'Cat' Coore having done a New Year's celebration in Portland. "I enjoy it. It is an extension of Third World," he said of his solo dates. "I like playing with other musicians. I am using a band out of Australia when I go there."
In addition, Rugs is working on the 35th year celebratory Third World and Friends album, on which Stephen and Damian Marley do production duties on a remake of Third World standard 96 Degrees in The Shade. And as if three albums are not enough work for one voice, Rugs says "Marcia Griffiths is coming out with an album and I was asked to do Sense of Purpose, so I did it with her".
In addition, Sly and Robbie are coming out with a new album that Ruggs has a song on called Love is Blind.
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REGGAE FESTIVAL GUIDE ON MYSPACE!
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Link us on My Space! We are excited about this great marketing network. After just one year, WE NOW HAVE OVER 2,700 FRIENDS!
This is indeed a wonderful resource that can link so many great artists, record companies, DJ's and reggae lovers worldwide.
Watch for concert footage postings, festival ticket giveaways, contests and more!
Go to www.myspace.com/reggaefestivalguide to become our FRIEND! Peace & Blessings
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Your Photo Could Be On The Front Cover of Reggae Festival Guide Magazine 2008
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The RFG team is now gearing up for the 2008 issue of the Reggae Festival Guide magazine!
We’re searching for a vertical, hi-resolution, outdoor shot for our cover that is colorful and sharp and gives the feeling of festival, fun, music, etc… one that imparts the essence of the Reggae festival vibe.
If your photo is selected you will be a published photographer in the largest Reggae magazine in the United States!
Send low res version to anthony@reggaefestivalguide.com (your photo will not be used without written permission and you will be compensated).
Thanks in advance.
Anthony Postman/Editor, Reggae Festival Guide magazine
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DEF JAM READIES NEW ARTIST RAZAH FOR SPRING RELEASE
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Razah
Def Jam/Universal
Self-Titled Album In-Stores Spring '08
http://www.myspace.com/razah
With a stage name like Razah, you'd expect his vocals to be stabs of gruff-toned, ragamuffin-style patois or jagged rhymes about the inner city's hottest blocks. But the singer born Martell Nelson is slicker than that. There's more romance than gangsterism in his R&B. His sound recalls the smooth edges of the soulful pop and reggae-tinged croons of his musical forebears Michael Jackson, Beres Hammond and Bob Marley.
"I sing emotional songs, but my name is Razah," says the 24-year-old Jamaican-born soulman. "It's like a balance."
"That's what this game is missing—no one wants to cry on a record anymore," he explains. "I'm not sure if everybody's scared or no one wants to be vulnerable. But everybody's vulnerable at the end of the day."
Honesty and raw emotion are at the center of the bulk of Razah's self-penned songs. "I'm so confused, girl/ I'm lost without ya/ I can't go to sleep because I toss without ya," he sings over the breezy, lilting melody of "Where Do We Go From Here." And Razah's not afraid to tackle some tough issues that many young women face—sexual abuse and drug use. On the uptempo synth-pop of "Runaway," he sings in a breathy, near-falsetto: "She just wants to runaway from this town/ Don't know what way she's going,"
Elsewhere, on a track called "Dear Dad," he sings bittersweetly about the father he never knew. Then on "Fight," the topic returns to love, with Razah addressing the type of relationship that's worth fighting to save. But he's quick to counter that he's not all about being Mr. Sensitivity.
"It's not all about heartache, but it's about real life situations," he says. "Rappers say they talk about true life situations, singers can do that too."
Exasperated, he adds: "I don't write about no crazy, fake stuff, like about my big cars. That's corny." Besides, Razah knows better than to make music that he'd be embarrassed to play for the single mother who raised him and his older brother and sister. When Razah was four years old his mother packed up the family. They moved from St. Andrews—a small town about three hours from Kingston in Jamaica 's lush countryside—to the ("Never ran, never will") Brownsville section of Brooklyn . She worked hard, saved money, studied, and fulfilled her dream of becoming a nurse.
"She's such a strong woman it's amazing," Razah says. "When the bad happens she just says, ’Keep on going. God put you here for this.' "
Clocking loads of radio play for the independently released single "Feels So Good," a remake of Teddy Pendergrass's "When Somebody Loves You Back," Razah proved his talent couldn't be overlooked. Then through sheer determination and Hood's industry know-how, Razah teamed with Houston veteran MC Bun B on "Keep your head up". And his hot streak continued when DJ Enuff and Funkmaster Flex of New York 's Hot97 showed even more radio love to Razah's track, "Where Do We Go From Here." Those spins proved to be the difference. The song caught the attention of Rihanna, who approached the singer to add her own verse to the remix. Still, at the subsequent recording session in Roc The Mic studios, Razah had little clue the two Caribbean born singers would be labelmates.
"Rihanna was in the booth doing what she do, I was there chilling and then Jay-Z walks in, and was like what's up," Razah explains. "I was like, 'Damn, here's my idol walking in the studio.' I gave him a dap and he walked out the room."
But when the Def Jam CEO pays a visit to your recording session, serious business is about to go down. Hood and Jay worked out a verbal agreement in the studio hallway. Days later, Razah signed a record contract with Def Jam, and only two weeks after that he played the finished album for Island Def Jam chairman LA Reid.
Now, Razah's definitely in great company, poised to share his Caribbean-inflected soul music with the globe. "I try to do make big records so it's not just like it's an [average] R&B song or pop song," he concludes, "but so that everybody can love it."
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Important Disclaimer
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Please note RBA Publishing Inc. is not able to accept responsibility for any losses or damages to any person acting on information contained on these pages, or warrant that information contained within articles, etc. are bona fide. Please check any details carefully before parting with any money.
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Yami Bolo Speaks Out About False Billing On Unbreakable Tour
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GREETINGS TO THE REGGAE FESTIVAL GUIDE COMMUNITY,
I, YAMI BOLO would like to let my fans know about a fraud representation for a tour (THE UNBREAKABLE REGGAE TOUR 2008) that was booked in California, claiming I would be at these venues. I had no knowledge of these events and will NOT be at those venues. I would like my fans to know and be aware of this. It is wrong and unfair and has to stop.
Thank You,
RT,HON MINISTRY
YAMI BOLO
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The Flamingo Cantina Presents Live, in Concert, Friday, February 01, 2008 – Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars
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Friday, February 01, 2008
Doors: 8:30 pm
Cover: $17 advance tickets available at Flamingo Cantina
The Flamingo Cantina, Austin’s premier reggae venue is excited to host the spirited fusion of traditional West African music, roots reggae and rhythmic traditional folk that is Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars.
Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars formed in a refugee camp in the West African nation of Guinea after fleeing the horrific civil war in their native Sierra Leone. It was in this refugee camp that they were discovered by filmmakers Zach Niles and Banker White, who subsequently shot an award-winning documentary about their story. Their CD, “Living Like A Refugee,” was released last year on Anti- Records to critical acclaim. They have been touring the world extensively since the summer of 2006 spreading a message of hope and healing and decrying the insanity of war.
Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars hit the stage at 11:00 pm. Doors open at 9:00 p.m. $17 advance tickets available at club. The Flamingo Cantina is located at 515 E. Sixth Street, venue phone (512) 494.9336. For more information, please contact Angela Gillen, (512) 789.3486.
www.flamingocantina.com
www.sierraleonesrefugeeallstars.com
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LUCKY DUBE TRIBUTE SINGLE AND DOCUMENTARY TO GET RELEASE
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A tribute single and video, which will include a behind-the-scenes documentary, to the late South African reggae star Lucky Dube is to get a worldwide release.
‘Chance – A Tribute To Lucky Dube’ was written by the Jamaican artist Prophecy shortly after Dube was tragically murdered during a car-jacking last October.
Thanks to a deal between the Prophecy’s record label Jah Birth and the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) the song is to be made available for a limited time.
“This project is a spiritual one and one which we had to do,” said Delroy Nevin, Chief Executive Officer of Jah Birth New Limited.
Mr Nevin added “that something needed to be done to honor a revolutionary, a humanitarian and a fellow reggae ambassador.”
The single will be accompanied by a documentary which follows Dube’s eldest son Thokozani as he retraces his father’s steps through reggae music.
Footage for the film has been shot in both Jamaica and South Africa.
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Attn: Reggae Radio DJs: Here is Why You Should Report To Roots Music Report
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Roots Music Report is celebrating its 7th year anniversary of reporting via a comprehensive, international chart reporting system that was designed to celebrate and support the diverse cross-section of roots based genres that were often lost or unrecognized by other reporting systems. RMR is a strong, viable and respected entity within the roots community.
Our roots-based chart system is designed to support and promote a variety of roots based formats. With accurate and extensive reporting promotion of this genre will assist in the continued growth of reggae based music worldwide.
We believe that as the Roots Music Report charts track airplay across a variety of genres worldwide in turn increases exposure both collectively and individually for the artists and their genre. Regional and colloquial artists now have platform to promote their art on the world wide stage and an avenue through which to gauge its impact.
One of the most gratifying and sub sequential outcomes of the Roots Music Report is the introduction of artists to new audiences and programmers. Broadcasters looking to increase and vary their play lists look to Roots Music Report to gauge what music is garnering attention elsewhere within the genre. PBS and community radio stations in with their varied formats are in particular always looking for cutting edge artists and music to share with their listeners.
Roots Music Report is proud to be able to give global recognition to roots-based music on the international stage and look forward to assisting the reggae community of broadcasters in becoming a part of its continuation.
If you have any questions or require more information please feel free to contact us at rmr@rootsmusicreport.com or call us 512-667-6466.
Sincerely,
Robert Bartosh
Roots Music Report
www.rootsmusicreport.com
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Reggae Festival Guide 2008 Magazine Now Accepting Advertising Reservations
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Reach 100,000 reggae fans this spring. Affordable and effective!
For rates, deadlines and dimensions, simply email advertising@reggaefestivalguide.com or call 775-337-8344.
The Reggae Guide Sez.....Ride the RFG Express To Success!
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UPCOMING RENEGADE CONCERTS IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA AND SOUTHERN OREGON
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Friday, January 25
THE ENGLISH BEAT -MontBleu Resort, Stateline, NV
Saturday, January 26
THE ENGLISH BEAT - Olympic Village Inn, Squaw Valley, CA
Friday, February 1
THE ENGLISH BEAT - Miners Foundry, Nevada City, CA
Saturday, February 2
THE ENGLISH BEAT - Ashland Armory, Ashland, OR
Monday, February 11
PREZIDENT BROWN - Sawtooth Ridge Cafe, Tahoe City, CA
Thursday, Feb 21
GREGORY ISAACS Opening act Zion Roots -Harlows, Sacramento, CA
Wednesday, February 27
MIDNITE AND PREZIDENT BROWN, Mateel Comm. Center, Redway, CA
Friday, February 29
MIDNITE AND PREZIDENT BROWN - Historic Ashland Armory, Ashland, OR
For more information visit www.renegadeshows.com or call 530-583-2801
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Reggae stars Morgan Heritage in First-Ever Senegal Visit
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Morgan Heritage, the US-Jamaican group formed by five of the 29 children fathered by late reggae great Denroy Morgan, has touched down in Dakar for its first-ever tour of Senegal.
Concert promoter Fatima Berthe said the quintet arrived Monday for concerts on Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday alongside Senegalese pop and reggae acts such as Carlou D. Fafai and Xuman.
It's the first time they have come to Senegal, and their second time in Africa, after going to Cote d'Ivoire in 1995.
Travelling with them are another member of the Morgan clan, Otiyah "Laza" Morgan, who performs with the hip-hop ensemble LMS, and Hawaiian soul-reggae singer Irie Love.
Since debuting in 1992 at the Reggae Sunsplash festival, Morgan Heritage -- which divides its time between Brooklyn, New York and St Thomas, Jamaica -- have built a strong fan following in Senegal, with their recent album Full Circle frequently heard in Dakar, an epicentre of African pop music.
Off stage, Morgan Heritage plan to tour the former slave island of Goree and to meet faith leaders, during what Senegalese rapper Lord Aldji Man- a co-organiser of the gigs - called a spiritual return to roots.
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Music : :
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Artist: DaddyRoots aka ZKing of Hearts : :
Title: We Shall Overcome -Single released 2008
Available as a FREE download at www.zkingofhearts.com in honor and remembrance of Dr. Martin Luther King and his inspirations to all.
Song Description:
This Song is a reminder that the struggle is real and it continues for absolute unity amongst MAN to MAN.
Dr. King's speech "We Shall Overcome" applies not only to the black man but to all races and all creeds.
WE SHALL OVERCOME, WE MUST OVERCOME
WE CAN OVERCOME!
www.zkingofhearts.com 310-500-2288
to listen CLICK HERE
It may be necessary to hold down your CTRL key to allow the music player to pop up.
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SOJA (Soldiers of Jah Army) Now Touring In Support Of Their Most Recent Release
SOJA (Soldiers of Jah Army) is now touring in support of their most recent release, The Stars and Stripes EP (Jan 08), which will be released in full-length summer 08. SFresh off their third European tour this year, SOJA begins 2008 in Aloha fashion, hitting the Hawaiian islands, then onto the west coast with a string of dates from Seattle to San Diego.
Saturday January 19, 2008 - Palace Theater
38 Haili St., Hilo, HI 96720
Sunday January 20, 2008 - Pipeline
805 Pohukaina St.,Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 589-1999 - ALL AGES
Wednesday January 23, 2008 - Studio Seven
110 South Horton, Seattle, WA 98134
(206) 286-1312
Thursday January 24, 2008 - Mt. Tabor
4811 SE Hawthorne, Portland, OR 97215
Friday January 25, 2008 - Domino Room
51 NW Greenwood Ave., Bend, OR 97701
(541) 317-0318
Saturday January 26, 2008 - WOW Hall
291 W 8th Ave., Eugene, OR 97401
(541) 687-2746 ALL AGES
Tuesday January 29, 2008 - Red Fox Tavern
415 5th St., Eureka, CA 95501
(707) 269-0282 w/special guest Jah Sun
Wednesday January 30, 2008 - Moe’s Alley
1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz, CA 95065
w/special guest Rebelution
Check back next week for more dates in February or go to soja.com
Over the years, the Washington, D.C. music scene has become best known for its hardcore (Minor Threat) and go-go (Trouble Funk) alumni, but as evidenced by the great Bad Brains, reggae has been represented as well. SOJA has risen to the forefront, picking up right where the Brains left off – creating their own blend of conscious roots music entwined with the traditional rhythms of reggae, it “comes across with passion and depth.” (Washington Post ’06)
That said, SOJA is not that easy to define. Although they are rooted in reggae, they are not limited to it; their fan-base reflects this with a very diverse population. The music includes and embraces all walks of life - it has no prejudice – it is for everyone. The band grew up listening to reggae, hip-hop, and rock. In their sound, reggae became the predominate influence because it is dedicated to a real message and promotes revolution.
For press contact Amy at soyoucan@sbcglobal.net or 831-479-0711.
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HONORABLE MARTIN LUTHER KING!
Martin Luther King born January 15, 1929 celebrated holiday, January 21st
Tony Rebel born, January 15, 1962
Shabba Ranks born, January 17, 1966
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I HAVE A DREAM
CLICK HERE TO READ THE HISTORIC "I HAVE A DREAM" SPEECH delivered by Martin Luther King, August 28, 1963 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.
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The weekly E-Guide is a wonderful resource for those who live, love and enjoy reggae and its vibrant culture. It encompasses the music, energy and spirituality that define this unique and diverse community worldwide. You can expect CD releases and industry news, band tours, inspirational pieces, reggae trivia and of course, upcoming reggae festivals.
The Reggae Festival Guide Magazine is an annual publication which comes out in May. RBA Publishing (also home of sister publication Blues Festival Guide) prints 100,000 copies of the magazine which spotlights festivals throughout the year, feature stories on festivals around the world, radio DJ listings and stories with messages of upliftment.
For years, the Reggae Festival Guide Magazine received numerous requests for updates on festivals via email, and on May 2, 2004, the webmaster of ReggaeFestivalGuide.com, Kristine Cummins partnered with the magazine (RBA Publishing), and published the first emailed issue of the E-Guide E-Newsletter.
The readership is now over 10,000 reggae fans and counting. Each week, The Reggae Festival E-Guide reaches members of the Reggae community around the world.
The E-Guide is currently edited by Reggae Festival Guide's Marketing Director, Justine Ketola. Click here to email Justine.
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